Behind the Scenes
Meet John
Learn what John does and everything involved in custom urban timber processing behind the scenes.
Project
Hand-Hewn Reclaimed White Oak Fireplace Mantel
- Species
- oak
- Dimensions
- 72" L x 10" D x 8" T
- Location
- Dexter, MI
Solid White Oak beam milled on our sawmill, vacuum dried to prevent checking over the hearth, and custom bracket mounted.
Finished
Services used
Watch
Videos from this project
Log Preparation
Why We Paint Log Ends — Moisture & Checking Control
Why we paint and seal the ends of hardwood logs to control moisture loss and prevent splitting.
Shop Tour & Inventory
Meet John & Shop Tour — Live-Edge Slab Inventory & Wood Knowledge
Tour John's shop in Whitmore Lake, explore live-edge slab inventory, and learn about hardwood species.
Vacuum Kiln Drying
Vacuum Kiln Drying Process & Moisture Testing Explainer
John explains how vacuum kiln drying works, moisture testing, and why it prevents wood checking and warp.
Reclaimed Logs
Monster Log Showcase — Reclaimed Hardwood Timber
John shows off a massive urban salvaged monster log at the Whitmore Lake shop.
Tutorials & DIY
How to Epoxy a Table — Step-by-Step with John’s Urban Timber
Step-by-step masterclass on pouring, sealing, and finishing live-edge epoxy tables.